Osteoporosis nursing measures

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on November 04, 2024
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Osteoporosis is commonly seen in postmenopausal women, elderly patients with degenerative diseases, and patients with disuse osteoporosis caused by long-term immobilization due to fractures, with the first two groups having the highest incidence rates. When osteoporosis occurs, it is essential first to provide psychological guidance to the patients, encouraging them not to be afraid and to face their condition correctly. This disease can be prevented and its progression delayed. Similarly, guiding patients to engage in appropriate exercises, such as walking slowly and practicing Tai Chi, can help increase bone strength. It is also necessary to advise patients to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D, as osteoporosis primarily involves the loss of inorganic bone salts, particularly calcium and phosphate ions. Adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D can prevent some cases of osteoporosis. If osteoporosis is severe, it may be necessary to provide medications that promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, the diet should include foods rich in calcium to enhance the care of patients with osteoporosis from these various aspects.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 23sec home-news-image

Is osteoporosis easy to treat?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility, decreased bone strength, and susceptibility to fractures. It is a systemic metabolic disease. Its treatment includes the following aspects: supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D, and the use of medications that inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. Firstly, calcium supplementation is essential, along with Vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium. Based on the severity of osteoporosis, stronger medications might be necessary, such as bisphosphonates or calcitonin. The choice of treatment plan depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Both bisphosphonates and calcitonin are used to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. The specific duration of treatment for osteoporosis depends on the patient's condition; additionally, patients need to regularly check their bone density. If the bone density is up to standard, they may stop the medication as per the doctor’s advice and undergo regular check-ups. If a relapse occurs, prompt medical treatment is necessary. Thus, the duration of treatment for osteoporosis is relatively long, generally from six months to a year, or even longer.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Causes of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is caused by two types of reasons, one is primary disease, and the other is secondary disease. Primary disease is commonly seen in postmenopausal women, as well as in some chronic strain injuries, and the occurrence of some metabolic diseases, which accounts for primary osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis may be due to trauma, long-term plaster immobilization, or lack of weight bearing after surgical fixation, leading to disuse osteoporosis.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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How to maintain bone health with osteoporosis

Patients with osteoporosis should first pay attention to the following in their daily lives: First, persist in supplementing calcium and second, supplement Vitamin D as medication. In other aspects of life, it is important to engage in appropriate activities and develop a habit of regular activity. Vigorous activities, such as sprinting or playing ball games, are not recommended. Generally, it is advised that patients regularly take walks outdoors and ensure exposure to sunlight. This is why outdoor activities and enhancing sunlight exposure are related, which is the third point. The fourth important point is that if osteoporosis is diagnosed, elderly individuals must implement anti-slip measures at home to prevent falls. (Medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? Previously there were three categories, but the latest 2017 treatment guidelines have changed it to four categories: First, pain. This mainly manifests as pain in the lower back or pain throughout the bones of the body. Second, spinal deformation. Severe osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop and hunchback, and it can even lead to a decrease in a person's height and cause limited spinal mobility. Third, fractures. Fractures due to osteoporosis belong to the category of fragile fractures. These are fractures that can occur with very low energy or minor trauma. Common sites include the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, hip fractures, the distal radius and ulna, as well as the humerus and tibia, so sometimes, just a simple fall or being bumped by a door can result in a fracture. Fourth, impacts on psychological states and quality of life. Sometimes after developing osteoporosis, a person may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-confidence, which directly leads to reduced contact with the outside world and a decline in the quality of independent living.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Menopausal osteoporosis manifestations

Women experience osteoporosis during menopause, generally occurring in the later stages of menopause, which is between 9-13 years after menopause. During this period, women may develop osteoporosis. In the early stages, women can experience pain in the lower back, limbs, and joints, which is actually a manifestation of rapid bone loss. Later on, some women may develop a hunched back. Due to the increased brittleness of their bones, they are prone to various fractures, with vertebral fractures being the most common. This is followed by fractures of the distal radius and the neck of the femur.